Why Expats Move Back to the UK From Spain

I have a brother who moved from the UK to Spain some years ago, and has now moved back. He and his wife are of retirement age, and although there was a lot they did like in Spain, they never fully settled.

Why is it some can, but others can't, settle in another country? Well, there are of course lots of reasons why some expats return to their homeland. And a reason one person will give might not apply to the next person.

On some forums I've read that boredom is the number one reason why some have gone back to the UK. Not being used to the heat in Spain means that when the sun is shining and it gets very hot the only place to be is inside the home. But staying cool for several hours a day for weeks or months on end and not venturing out until the evening has its downside - boredom! Worse still for those who have young children.

Another reason some give is the feeling of detachment, especially if you don't have many English-speaking people living close to you. Although some expats make the effort to speak Spanish it often doesn't get past being able to ask for drinks and food along with the customary "hello" and "goodbye." Being fluent in Spanish is another matter, and that makes it difficult to get onto a deeper level with the Spanish people themselves.

Some are anxious about the possibility - or as they get older the likelihood - of having to spend time in hospital. A worrying time anywhere, but especially in a foreign country.

The poor exchange rate has meant the pound doesn't stretch as far as it used to. Those with fixed pensions paid in sterling are getting fewer euros, therefore they have to tighten their belts much more. And, as employment prospects in Spain are not good right now Brits who were in work, especially in the building trade, are finding they don't have the work they once did.

And finally, the pull of home is ever present, as homesickness affects some. They miss their families and friends, the British way of life, even the weather. And for them that's good enough reason to put their property up for sale, pack their bags, and return home to the UK.

Comments:

Phil said:24 June 2013 @ 17:28

I'd like to think that if I ever move to another country to live I'd never want to return. Yes, it's easy to say, but until you experience life elsewhere you just can't be sure. All you can do is prepare yourself the best way you can. Even then something unexpectedly can crop up, such as bad health, the death of your spouse etc, and that can turn your world upside down in an instant.

Billy said:26 May 2012 @ 08:53

We have just returned to the UK after a couple of years and our main reason is the schooling is sub standard. My daughter was 9 when we moved and she was good at all her subjects in the UK, but after 2 years she was struggling to add anything up, the teachers just sit around playing music in class and going on facebook. We loved Spain for the relaxing life style and the weather, but educating a child is more important. I am glad we came back when we did as Spain is finished... i was saying this to Expats in December, that i would give the Euro until December this year, but depending on what happens on June 17th Spain could be finished by July 1st. If you have money paid into Spanish banks, Transfer it to the UK as when the Euro goes and all banks are devalued the banks will be calling in all debts, Morgages and so on, and they will not be releasing money to the consumer, and SPAIN will loose the Euro nothing can be done about it, Germany are not going to risk anymore of there money on a useless bailout, and a new type pf money will have no value so prices will rocket. at least in England we have the pound, the NHS, and good schools if you look around, Help if needed, and if you need work it is still hard in the UK but you have 100% more chance.

Billy said:26 May 2012 @ 08:53

We have just returned to the UK after a couple of years and our main reason is the schooling is sub standard. My daughter was 9 when we moved and she was good at all her subjects in the UK, but after 2 years she was struggling to add anything up, the teachers just sit around playing music in class and going on facebook. We loved Spain for the relaxing life style and the weather, but educating a child is more important. I am glad we came back when we did as Spain is finished... i was saying this to Expats in December, that i would give the Euro until December this year, but depending on what happens on June 17th Spain could be finished by July 1st. If you have money paid into Spanish banks, Transfer it to the UK as when the Euro goes and all banks are devalued the banks will be calling in all debts, Morgages and so on, and they will not be releasing money to the consumer, and SPAIN will loose the Euro nothing can be done about it, Germany are not going to risk anymore of there money on a useless bailout, and a new type pf money will have no value so prices will rocket. at least in England we have the pound, the NHS, and good schools if you look around, Help if needed, and if you need work it is still hard in the UK but you have 100% more chance.

Billy said:26 May 2012 @ 08:52

We have just returned to the UK after a couple of years and our main reason is the schooling is sub standard. My daughter was 9 when we moved and she was good at all her subjects in the UK, but after 2 years she was struggling to add anything up, the teachers just sit around playing music in class and going on facebook. We loved Spain for the relaxing life style and the weather, but educating a child is more important. I am glad we came back when we did as Spain is finished... i was saying this to Expats in December, that i would give the Euro until December this year, but depending on what happens on June 17th Spain could be finished by July 1st. If you have money paid into Spanish banks, Transfer it to the UK as when the Euro goes and all banks are devalued the banks will be calling in all debts, Morgages and so on, and they will not be releasing money to the consumer, and SPAIN will loose the Euro nothing can be done about it, Germany are not going to risk anymore of there money on a useless bailout, and a new type pf money will have no value so prices will rocket. at least in England we have the pound, the NHS, and good schools if you look around, Help if needed, and if you need work it is still hard in the UK but you have 100% more chance.

Nels said:21 May 2012 @ 17:48

Lots of ex pats who are grandparents, say they want to return to the UK because they miss the grandchildren. They are needed to 'child sit' whilst the parents go to work etc., This means they are living for their grandchildren, and not for themselves, their lives seem to have come to a standstill, with little else to do but to be there for the kids! Most forget that after a few short years, the kids will be looking to 'fly the nest' to perhaps foreign parts, what does Gran and Gramp do then?

Bob Manning said:27 January 2011 @ 12:31

¿How on earth can you get board here? just take a look around you Mountains beaches lakes Etc, I agree with Jack; Only boaring people get boared!!

jack said:14 August 2010 @ 19:28

if they miss their families so much then they should of not left the uk in the first place?,so many do and so many end up same way.Boredom?- join a club,garden,walk,cycle,volunteer,read,fish,do spanish courses improve spanish,invite spanish neighbour round meal they will reciprocate,travel around spain,so many possibilities,bet they were bored in the uk too?.Not enough effort put in -results in what you put in you get out!,nothing in nothing out!